K.I.S.S. (‘Keep it simple, stupid!’), introduced by the US Navy in the 1960s, is a game-changer as a design principle. It is built on the premise that designs or systems should be as simple as possible to be effective, and that, wherever possible, complex systems should be avoided.

Keeping it simple is exactly what Sanju Sriram has introduced through her Simple720 platform.

She has taken the complex, overwhelming task of Form 720 filing and miraculously transformed it into a seamless, paperless process which takes around two minutes.

Simple720 is an IRS-authorized e-filing platform specifically designed to help individuals and businesses file the IRS Form 720. Form 720 is the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return.

Form 720: A Complex Tax Requirement

“Traditionally, companies have battled with filing IRS Form 720,” says Sanju.

Many first-time filers find the process tricky. Many businesses aren’t sure whether their products or services are subject to excise tax. If they fail to file when required, it can result in penalties and interest.

Then there are problems with the form’s complexity. Form 720 includes multiple “parts” and schedules, each relating to different types of taxes. Companies often check the wrong boxes, misreport tax periods, or enter amounts in the wrong sections. They might even leave out required attachments.

“Manual filing also presents numerous hazards,” explains Sanju. “Businesses still filing by paper may face delays, lost documents, and increased risk of data entry errors.”

She continues: “E-filing is faster and reduces rejection risk, but not all companies know how to go about this. Unlike income tax forms, many mainstream tax software solutions don’t support Form 720. This leaves companies trying to handle it manually, unless they use a platform like Simple720 designed specifically for this form.”

Sanju explains that despite the complexity of filling out the IRS Form 720, it unfortunately has to be done. “There are some things in life which do not change, and tax is one of them.”

Explaining the reason why she and her partner decided to start the platform, she explained that she realised that while we can’t change the reality of tax, we can make our dealings with it simpler. “I identified that there was a specific need for this form’s complexity to be addressed, as I couldn’t find any other online tax platforms focused on simplifying the application of this specific form.”

Reducing Tax Processes to “Simple”

Designing the platform, Sanju was tasked with taking the complex, overwhelming task of tax e-filing and reducing it to a simple, effective exchange that everyone, from housewives, shop attendants, bakers, teachers, to businessmen, can master.

She explains how Simple720’s portal has been designed for ease of use, catering to both first-time filers and experienced users. The platform also supports both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a diverse user base.

The complex Form 720 process is reduced to a simple task through the use of the platform, and Sanju explains it can be done within a few minutes, significantly less time than traditional paper filing methods. The platform also has a 99.9% uptime guarantee, providing consistent access for users.

“Another way I have ensured simplicity on the platform is by offering a range of support options,” she says. Users who are still unsure how to correctly file the form can make use of the platform’s videos, FAQs, and customer service (via phone and email).

It’s the simplicity of the platform that has drawn world-class companies, like Nike, Ford, and Ernst & Young as Simple720 clients, and Sanju, a San Francisco resident, is quickly drawing large companies through California and the U.S. to her platform, showing through example that simple does it best.

“Unfortunately, the IRS instructions for Form 720 can be dense and challenging to understand,” says Sanju. “But I believe the reason we’ve seen so much success is because taxes are unavoidable. Everyone, from individuals to businesses, appreciates relief from the stress and complexities involved in tax e-filing.”